Cable Analyzer should be must have tool for any serious telecom and datacom technicians. This article shows you how to use the most advanced cable analyzer from Fluke Networks.
>> What is a Cable Analyzer?
A cable analyzer can measure the electrical characteristics of a given cable,
including its length. Usually, these analyzers can also point out simple faults such as a broken or miswired cable.
Most cable analyzers are multifunctional handheld device that is used to test and certify copper and fiber cables for different services and standards. The more sophisticated tools include advanced troubleshooting diagnostics that measure distance to performance defect (NEXT, RL), identify corrective actions, and graphically display crosstalk and impedance behavior.
>> Channel Test and Permanent Link Test
1. What is Channel Test
Cat6 channel test is to verify the performance of the overall CAT6 channel.
The Cat6 channel includes up to 90 meters of CAT6 horizontal cable, a Cat6 patch cord, a Cat6 telecom room.
2. What is Permanent Link Test
Cat6 permanent link test is to verify the performance of permanently installed cabling. The permanent link consists of up to 90 meters of Cat6 horizontal cabling and one Cat6 connection at each end. And may also include an optional transition point connection.
>> Documenting Your Network
Network configuration documentation provides a logical diagram of the network and detailed information about each component.
Information such as the network's physical and logical topologies, device configuration, end-system configurations, and various network baselines should be included.
A hard copy of the documentation should be stored in a central location. Network documentation should include:
1. Network topology diagram2. Network configuration table3. End-system configuration table4. Network baseline
>> What can the Fluke DTX series CableAnalyzer do?
1. The DTX-1800 can certify twisted pair and coaxial cabling to Class F limits (600MHz)2. Meet Level III and Level IV accuracy requirements3. Can automatically generate report that shows the distance to and likely causes of common faults4. Can be used to test fiber cables with the optional fiber modules
>> How to Certify Twisted Pair Cabling with Fluke DTX CableAnalyzer
1. Attach adapters appropriate for the job to the tester and the smart remote
2. Turn the rotary switch to SETUP, then select Twisted Pair.
3. Turn the rotary switch to AUTOTEST and turn on the smart remote. Connect to the cabling.
4. Press TEST on the tester or smart remote. To stop the test at any time, press EXIT.
5. The tester shows the Autotest Summary screen when the test is complete. To view results for a specific parameter, press the up and down error to highlight the parater, then press ENTER.
6. If the Autotest failed, press F1 Fault Info for possible causes of the failure.
7. To save the results, press SAVE. Select or create a cable ID; then press SAVE again.
